"Puente"
means bridge in Spanish. This form was invented by James Rasmusson.
Constructed
in 3 stanzas, the 1st and 3rd are separate thoughts but share an equal number
of lines and the center, bridge stanza. The middle stanza is one line and is
enclosed in tildes (~) to distinguish itself as both the last line of the first
stanza and the first line of the last stanza.
The meter
and rhyming are at the poet's discretion, free verse being perfectly
acceptable. The title is has no guidelines; it need not match the bridge stanza
like the example below.
Example Poem
Opportunity
Knocks
A new
form came upon the scene
and
sep'rate topics are required
with
bridging line in between
as
linked by poet, so inspired.
~ it's
both a test and opportunity~
Another
contest has appeared
it
features something yet untried
but
that is nothing to be feared;
try it
you'll be satisfied.
©
Lawrencealot - May 31, 2013
